𝑩𝒚 𝑨𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒆 𝑬𝒌𝒐𝒏𝒈
On his inauguration on June 13, 2023 as the President of the 10th Senate, 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝗱𝘀𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗸𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗼 had left no one in doubt that the 10th Assembly would work to promote the interest and wellbeing of the Nigerian people.
In his inaugural speech, Senator Akpabio affirmed that his leadership shall be inclusive, that his shall be a servant-leadership and Uncommon.
Indeed in the last 100 days, the Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio has demonstrated an uncommon zeal towards aligning with the goals and aspirations of the Nigerian people and have worked hard through motions, bills and resolutions in promoting the interest and welfare of the common people.
It is noteworthy that the election of the leadership of the 10th Assembly attracted nationwide interest. The campaigns were no less intense. However, after the emergence of Senator Akpabio and Senator Barau Jubrin as the President and Deputy President of the Senate, the Senators have put their political differences behind and forged ahead in one accord with an agenda to promote legislation that would bring succour to the Nigerian people.
There is a general consensus among the Senators across political divides that Senator Akpabio is a leader who listens to the voices of his colleagues and one who values their input, opinions and concerns to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity and collaboration. The Senate’s unity behind Senator Akpabio reinforces the notion that he commands the respect and support of his fellow Senators. A united Senate, working together towards a common goal, is crucial in achieving legislative objectives that benefit the Nigerian people.
In identifying with the Nigerian people, the 10th Senate expeditiously passed the supplementary budget which made provision for palliatives to be provided by the Government to Nigerians to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.
In another very momentous legislative activism, the Senate passed a unanimous decision to halt the proposed increase in electricity tariff. The Red Chambers had insisted that Nigerians were going through hard times as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy and should not be compounded by the hike in electricity tariff. That was when the Senate unanimously proclaimed: let the poor breathe.
The Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio had also intervened at various points to stall industrial crises and strikes in the country which would have left the masses worse off. Issues of welfare of Nigerian workers have remained top on the agenda of the Red Chambers as Senator Akpabio has at various fora advocated the review of the present wage structure of the Nigerian workers.
Another resolution which has endeared the present Senate to the people was the call on the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗪𝗔𝗦) 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗔𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗯𝘂 and other leaders of the region to explore more political and diplomatic options in resolving the political impasse in the Republic of Niger following the sack of the democratically elected administration of Mohamed Bazoum.
This resolution demonstrated a commitment to the independence of the legislature under the leadership of Senator Akpabio.
Again the dexterity with which the Senate President handled the ministerial screening is worthy of commendation. The Senate after a thorough and exhaustive screening exercise which mostly lasted into the nights, spanning long hours and non-legislative days including weekends, declined the approval of three nominees. This move has asserted the National Assembly, particularly the Senate on a strong pedestal of institutional integrity.
It is expected that with the support of his colleagues, the strength of his collaborative relationship with President Tinubu, and his avowed commitment to national development, Nigerians eagerly anticipate further positive impacts he will make in shaping the nation’s future.
𝑬𝒌𝒐𝒏𝒈, 𝒊𝒔 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 (𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂/𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏) 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆
